Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

ACTIVITY 1: “Who Is Your Hero?”

In this activity, students will produce a brief graphic narrative about a personal hero.

Create a brief narrative in the format of a graphic novel or comic book-style story about someone you find inspirational.

• Consider the person’s characteristics, actions, appearance, social skills, or other traits that you consider inspirational.
• Use techniques that author Jamieson employs (such as visual details, imagery, dialogue and thought bubbles, sound effects and vocalizations, and breaking the fourth wall) to aid in your storytelling.
• Your graphic narrative should include basic information about your hero and demonstrate ways in which they have motivated you to challenge yourself.
• Include a section of your narrative that compares your hero to Rainbow Bite or Astrid, connecting to the theme Embracing Fear.

Teaching Suggestion: Students have the chance to develop a better understanding and appreciation for conveying strong emotions in visual forms through this activity. They might benefit from a reminder that heroes can take on many forms, including everyday people. A group discussion before beginning their projects may help get students’ ideas flowing.